International Student Services (ISS)

Additional Texas A&M majors qualify for 17-months extension of OPT

Wed, 29 Jun 2011 13:41:00 EDT

STEM-Designated Degree Programs List updated -- Additional Texas A&M majors qualify for 17-month extension of OPT. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) informed school officials that they have updated the list of STEM-Designated Degree Programs (STEM: �Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math�). Several programs were added to the list of designated programs.

Travel Signature Day May 4

Mon, 25 Apr 2011 16:48:00 EDT

International Student Services has scheduled travel signature day sessions for students who will be traveling this semester and during the summer. The sessions will be held at International Student Services. Students who are planning to travel outside of the U.S., and who currently have an I-20 or DS-2019 re-entry signature endorsement expiring within the next 3 months or less, must have their documents signed before their travel begins. Appointments for the May 4th session are currently available.

ooming Out Conference Counselor Opportunity

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 12:48:00 EDT

Zooming Out for a Global View Conference has been taking place since 2007. During this conference high school students from all over Texas will present on global topics regarding Economic, Societal, and Environmental sustainability.

Tax Workshop Time Changed to 5:00 Wednesday

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 17:44:00 EDT

For those student who have signed up for the tax workshop on Wednesday, 04/13/2011, in the SCC 210B there has been a time change. The workshop will begin at 5pm. We apologize for any inconvenience. The new workshop time is 5pm to 7pm on 04/13/2011, in the SCC 210B.

ISS NEWS

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 14:18:00 EDT

International Student Services is seeking a graduate assistant with database and web design experience. The person in this position will assist with maintaining and improving the International Student Services databases and website. They will also work extensively with the systems� end-users, both external (students) and internal (ISS staff). We are looking for someone who is interested in working in a multicultural environment and has outstanding people skills.

Student Conference on National Affairs Leadership Opportunities

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 12:30:00 EDT

Howdy! MSC Student Conference on National Affairs (SCONA) is a committee within the Memorial Student Center that strives to inform students at A&M of national and international affairs through various programs in the fall and spring semesters, as well as an annual conference in February. Log on to www.scona.tamu.edu for more conference details. This past year, SCONA experienced great success and we are looking to increase involvement from the international community at Texas A&M. Applications for leadership positions for the upcoming year have recently become available, and we at SCONA would like to invite the international student community to apply to serve on our executive board for the 2011-2012 year! A copy of the application with detailed instructions is attached to this email for your convenience. Would you please send this message to the International Students and inform them of the leadership opportunities within SCONA for the next year? Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have at SMHodges13@gmail.com. Important Dates and Times: Application Due Date: March 21, 2011 Time: 5:00 PM Place: Koldus 233 (MSC Student Programs Office)

Employment of International Students On Campus

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 13:12:00 EDT

Please see the attached message that provides information regarding on-campus employment of international students. Specifically, the message covers:

To the Ends of the Earth: International Student Travel seminar cancelled

Thu, 18 Nov 2010 12:43:00 EDT

We regret to inform you that the workshop: To the Ends of the Earth: International Student Travel originally scheduled for December 2 at 5:15 has been cancelled.

Brazos Valley Worldfest

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 10:40:00 EDT

You, your family and friends, are invited to attend Brazos Valley Worldfest on Saturday, November 13, 2010 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Wolf Pen Creek Amphitheater in College Station. Brazos Valley Worldfest is a community-wide international festival to promote and celebrate the international diversity and heritage of the Brazos Valley. The festival is organized by Texas A&M University and the City of College Station.

South Asian interest Greek organizations

Fri, 05 Nov 2010 10:59:00 EDT

On behalf of all South Asian interest Greek organizations, I would like to invite you to come join in the relief efforts. Chi Psi Beta Service Fraternity, Delta Phi Omega Sorority, Delta Kappa Delta Sorority, and Delta Epsilon Psi Fraternity will be holding �Pakistan Flood Relief Week� from November 8th-10th.

Travel Signature Days; November 19 and December 15

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 11:36:00 EDT

International Student Services has scheduled travel signature day sessions for students who will be traveling this semester and during the winter break. The sessions will be held at International Student Services. Students who are planning to travel outside of the U.S. and who currently have an I-20 or DS-2019 re-entry signature endorsement expiring within the next 3 months or less must have their documents signed before their travel begins. Students whose documents are issued by an agency other than Texas A&M University will need to speak with Sponsored Student Programs regarding obtaining a travel signature from the issuing agency. Appointments for the November 19th session are currently available. The appointments for the December 15th session will be available at a later date

Survivor Series Workshops November

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EDT

Howdy! ISS has some great workshops for you this month. All workshops are free and no pre-registration is required! Check them out!

Third notice for International Friendly Business Awards Nominations

Fri, 22 Oct 2010 12:20:00 EDT

Dear TAMU International Student: The deadline for nominations to the 2010 International Friendly Business Award is fast approaching. All nominations must be in by October 25. So far I have not receive any nominations. The Award is designed to recognize businesses that go out of their way to provide a welcoming business environment for international students, scholars and faculty and other international residents of the community. It is our hope that this award will raise awareness of the business needs of our international community and reward the initiative taken by businesses to help meet those needs. Two awards will be given, one for a small business with under 50 employees and one for a large business with 50 employees or more. The award winning businesses will be revealed during Brazos Valley Worldfest on November 13, 2010

Travel Signature Days

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 13:10:00 EDT

International Student Services has scheduled travel signature day sessions for students who will be traveling this semester and during the winter break. The sessions will be held at International Student Services. Students who are planning to travel outside of the U.S. and who currently have an I-20 or DS-2019 re-entry signature endorsement expiring within the next 3 months or less must have their documents signed before their travel begins. Appointments for the October 28th session are currently available. The appointments for the November 19th and December 15th session will be available at a later date.

Potential IIE Scholarship Opportunity for Int'l Students - Deadline Oct. 15

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 11:52:00 EDT

I am happy to inform you that IIE�s Rocky Mountain Regional Center will be awarding two scholarships to students who are enrolled in IIENetwork Member Institutions throughout the region. The two awards of $2,500 each are granted by the Adell & Hancock Scholarship Fund, established to provide both U.S. and international students the opportunity to study abroad and in doing so, opening their mind to the world. The Adell & Hancock Fund Scholarships are available to U.S. Students in the region who will study abroad as part of a program beginning during the 2011 calendar year, as well as international students that will soon or currently are studying in the region who may choose to apply the award toward their study abroad experience in the U.S.

International Tailgate: October 16 (Aggies v. Missouri)

Wed, 06 Oct 2010 10:47:00 EDT

The first annual International Tailgate is designed to introduce you to one of the cornerstones of American College Football�the tailgate party. This year�s tailgate will be on October 16 before the game against Missouri. We will be in Spence Park , the field between the Association of Former Students building and Koldus. Just look for two white tents and a sign for the International Tailgate.

Survivor Series Workshops - October

Tue, 05 Oct 2010 10:58:00 EDT

owdy! ISS has some great workshops for you this month. All workshops are free and no pre-registration is required! Check them out! �Will work for�?� A Guide to International Student Employment October 5, 5:00-7:00, THOM 112 Do you know if you are eligible to work? Or how many hours a week you are permitted to work? What about the consequences of unauthorized employment? This workshop will discuss on-campus employment, Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) employment, and will briefly discuss general information regarding H-1B sponsorship.

Middle Eastern Cultural Celebrations call for volunteers

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 12:28:00 EDT

Howdy! On Thursday, October 14, we will host our third annual Middle Eastern Cultural Celebrations (MECC). The MECC event offers Arabic food and live music and will feature a selection of film clips from the region as well as cultural and religious displays and the opportunity to visit with people from the Middle East and Arab countries. The event is on campus, in the Mitchell Physics and Astronomy Building from 6:30-9:00 p.m. The attached flyer offers more details.

National Night Out October 5th from 6-8:00 pm!

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 12:10:00 EDT

It's America's Night Out Against Crime! Join us for the "27th Annual National Night Out", a unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch.This event will be held on Tuesday, October 5th, 2010 from 6pm to 8pm at the University Apartments Community Center. Free Food, Free Activities! There will also be door prizes, safety displays and demonstrations. Parking and admission are FREE TO ALL!!

Korean Thanksgiving Celebration

Thu, 30 Sep 2010 12:10:00 EDT

Click Here to see the flyer

You are invited! The Korean Student Association will hold a small event in front of the Chemistry Fountain, to celebrate "Korean Thanksgiving day". For more information about traditional Korean Thanksgiving celebrations, see the attached file.

International Aggie Football Symposium!

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:08:00 EDT

Howdy Ags!!! I hope that you are all enjoying your semester! This email is to inform you about the annual International Aggie Football Symposium. As international students, you get the amazing opportunity to come learn about American football and Aggie traditions in the Bright Football Complex! Come hear from football coaches and players, the Aggie Band Drum Major, and Reveille as they talk about everything related to Aggie Football!

Nominate and International-Friendly Business!

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 12:54:00 EDT

International Programs is asking you to nominate a local business that has been especially helpful and friendly to you and your family for the 2010 International Friendly Business Award.

Survivor Series September Workshops

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:39:00 EDT

Howdy! ISS has some great workshops for you this month. All workshops are free and no pre-registration is required! Check them out!

Family Resource Night - Thursday September 9

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:36:00 EDT

See the flyer
Family Resource Night, Thursday, September 9 University Apartment Community Center 6:15 – 8:30
Where to go:
University Apartment Community Center
Room 3

Be heard! Get involved with TAMU Student Government Association!

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 13:35:00 EDT

Well, what is the Student Government Association? Simply put, SGA is the organized, elected, and appointed representatives of the student opinion of Texas A&M. We strive to create change across the campus community locally, state-wide, and even, nationally. It is organized as the Federal government of the U.S. with executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The Student Body President�s Executive Council, in conjunction with the Student Senate, tackle issues related to academics, tuition and fees, shared governance, dining services, transportation and parking, along with student matters associated with the Bryan/College Station communities. Our committees are the largest part of the organization.

Win free tickets to an Aggie Football Game!

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:35:00 EDT

Periodically during the Fall semester, the International Student Services Office receives a donation of a few tickets to Aggie Football games.

Have Dinner in a U.S. Home!

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:35:00 EDT

Are you interested in having dinner in a U.S. home? Texas A&M students, faculty, staff and members of the community are inviting international students to their homes for dinner. The purpose of the Dinner in a U.S. Home program is to match international students with a host from the Bryan/College Station area.

International Student Health Insurance for Fall 2010

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:04:00 EDT

This email is a reminder of recent changes in the international student health insurance process for Fall 2010. International students (students who are not U.S. Citizens or Lawful Permanent Residents) will be automatically enrolled in and charged for the System Student Health Insurance International Basic 50K Plan (SSHIP) unless they apply for, and are granted, a waiver.

Graduate Student Workshop: Writing and Academic Integrity on Friday, July 9th, 2010

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 10:49:00 EDT

The Office of Graduate Studies (OGS) has partnered with other campus offices and professional staff to present a series of workshops for graduate students.

Garage Sale Giveaway - Free stuff for international students this Saturday!

Fri, 21 May 2010 10:08:00 EDT

There is a FREE garage sale at the Aldersgate Church located at 2201 Earl Rudder Freeway South College Station, TX 77845 this Saturday from 8-Noon.

Anand Narayanan named Eppright Outstanding International Student

Wed, 05 May 2010 15:04:00 EDT

Anand Narayanan, a PhD student in Biology from India, was named the 2009-2010 Eppright Outstanding International Student for his involvement in student activities, his commitment to excellence, and his work with international organizations at Texas A&M.

International Potluck Dinner- Sunday April 25th at 5pm

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 10:42:00 EDT

Forwarded at the request of Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church International Potluck Dinner We at Beautiful Savior have enjoyed the Christmas Eve Dinner and the Chinese New Year Dinner so much that we would be delighted to get together again!

Speaking in Front of a U.S. Audience -- 2nd workshop

Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:25:00 EDT

As a collaboration between the International Programs Office and International Student Services, Dr. Suzanne Droleskey will present another workshop designed to help international students develop presentation skills and confidence in making a PowerPoint presentation in front of an audience. For more information about and registration for the second Speaking in Front of a U.S. Audience: Tips for International Students workshop, please visit http://international.tamu.edu/iss/events/SpeakingIn/SpeakingIn.asp.

Register for Model UN Diplomacy Event by March 31

Wed, 24 Mar 2010 12:58:00 EDT

This multi-faceted event will last from 9:30am to 8pm. Lunch and an evening etiquette dinner will also be provided, all at no cost! For more information, and to register for this event, please visit http://sgadiversity.tamu.edu.

USCIS Mailing Address Update for I-94 Card replacement and Practical Training

Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:27:00 EDT

Effective 02/24/2010, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has changed their mailing address for Forms I-102 and I-765. Form I-102 is submitted to USCIS in the event that a student�s I-94 card is lost, damaged, or stolen.

Upcoming workshops: H1B Employment, Practical Training and Tax/CINTAX

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 10:57:00 EDT

ISS is presenting several workshops for the spring 2010 semester starting next week. You will be able to participate in several informative workshops.

Spring Festival Dinner - February 12th

Thu, 04 Feb 2010 11:17:00 EDT

An invitation to all international students from Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church:

Continuing Student Scholarship Deadline is February 1

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:52:00 EDT

This is a reminder that the Continuing Student Scholarship application is currently available. In order to be eligible for scholarships given by International Student Services, students must complete this online application by the deadline, February 1, 2010.

Good Neighbor Scholarship Deadline February 1

Wed, 27 Jan 2010 10:51:00 EDT

Good Neighbor Scholarship This state of Texas scholarship provides a complete waiver of tuition to eligible international students from countries in the Caribbean and North, Central, and South America. Scholarship winners must still pay all applicable university fees. Applicants compete with other international students from their home countries throughout the state of Texas for a limited number of awards that are given to a certain number of students from each country. Awards are based on academic merit. Competition is intense, and final award decisions are made by The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, not Texas A&M.

Haiti Earthquake Relief

Thu, 21 Jan 2010 10:42:00 EDT

On January 12, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti. The Red Cross estimates that about three million people were affected by the earthquake. Join the recovery effort mobilizing around the world to assist victims of this tragedy.

Volunteers needed to help with newly-arriving international students

Tue, 06 Jan 2009 14:48:00 EDT

International Student Services needs volunteers for International Student Check-In and the Welcome Party. Below are the dates and location of Check-In and the Welcome Party for International Students. If anyone is interested in being a volunteer for one of these events, please go to ...

International Student Christmas Eve Dinner at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church

Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:13:00 EDT

International students at Texas A&M University are invited to a Traditional American Christmas Eve Dinner served at the Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church in College Station, Texas. The dinner will be held on Thursday, December 24, 2009 at 5:30pm.

ISS Student Worker Position

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 13:00:00 EDT

International Student Services (ISS, http://international.tamu.edu/iss/), is currently seeking applicants for a Student Worker position with the following job description and qualifications:

Additional Travel Signature Day

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:39:00 EDT

ISS has scheduled travel signature and visa letter sessions around campus for students who are traveling this semester. A third travel signature day session will be held on December 2nd in Rudder Tower, room 301. Students who are planning to travel outside of the U.S. and who currently have an I-20 or DS-2019 re-entry signature endorsement expiring within the next 3 months or less must have their documents signed before their travel begins. Appointments for the December 2nd session will be available starting November 19th.

Have dinner in a U.S. Home Spring 2010!

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:34:00 EDT

Howdy! Are you interested in having dinner in a U.S. home? Welcome to a new tradition, called �Dinner in a U.S. Home�! Texas A&M students, faculty, staff and members of the community are inviting international students into their homes for a home-cooked meal!

Safety Reminder

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:50:00 EDT

It has come to the attention of International Student Services that there has been activity in the Northgate area that indicates we need to remind international students about what to do in an emergency situation.

Scholarship application for current Aggies is now available!

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 15:49:00 EDT

The Continuing Student Scholarship Application is now available for the Fall 2010 & Spring 2011 semesters. This includes scholarships for international students!

Optional Practical Training (OPT) Workshops coming soon

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:03:00 EDT

ISS will hold four employment workshops in the month of November to discuss the Practical Training benefits available to students in F-1 status.

Travel Signature Days - November 4 and November 17

Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:02:00 EDT

ISS has scheduled travel signature and visa letter sessions around campus for students who are traveling this semester. Students who are planning to travel outside of the U.S. and who currently have an I-20 or DS-2019 re-entry signature endorsement expiring within the next 3 months or less must have their documents signed before their travel begins.

2010 Presidential Award of Excellence for Faculty Service to International Students

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:10:00 EDT

This award was created due to the generosity of the Executive Committee of the Texas A&M University International Board with the primary goals of encouraging the integration of international students on campus, and increasing international awareness. This award recognizes a faculty member who has made extraordinary efforts to assist international students.

SECC fundraiser Yard Sale this Friday 12-3 p.m.

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:09:00 EDT

The Office of Graduate Studies is hosting an SECC fundraiser "Yard Sale" this Friday, October 23 from 12-3 p.m. in the parking lot next to Schlotzsky's Deli on College Ave.

Would you like to see a performance of Riverdance - for FREE?

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:17:00 EDT

The Bryan and College Station Rotary Clubs and MSC OPAS, in cooperation with the International Programs Office, invite you and a friend to be our guests for a major evening of music and dance at Texas A&M�s Rudder Auditorium on Tuesday night, November 17th.

Texas Renaissance Festival ticket giveaway

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:08:00 EDT

Take the Renaissance Era Trivia Quiz to be entered in a drawing to win a Family pack (2 adults/2 children) of tickets to the Renaissance Festival in Plantersville, TX.

Your opportunity to recognize local businesses who support international students!

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:46:00 EDT

International Friendly Business Awards - your opportunity to recognize local businesses who support international students!

Writing Center Workshops for International Students

Fri, 02 Oct 2009 11:40:00 EDT

The University Writing Center is offering a series of workshops exclusively for international students throughout the fall semester.

New ISS Facebook page to provide news and information!

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:57:00 EDT

ISS has launched our new Facebook page! Become a fan and find out about activities, events and information of interest to the international student community at Texas A&M!

Thursday "mock battle"

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:09:00 EDT

Please be aware of this event on campus if you see soldiers and hear �gunfire� or �explosions�. There is no reason to be alarmed � this is a military exercise using students who are military science students.

Important Information for Students Regarding the H1N1 Virus

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:09:00 EDT

University officials are fully prepared for what health officials anticipate will be an active season for both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 virus. However, efforts to fully combat the spread of the illness can't be successful without your help. As you know, precaution is key to help prevent the spread of the illness. So, we strongly encourage you to get both a seasonal flu shot and the H1N1 vaccine when it is available, practice good hand-washing procedures, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and cover your cough.

Call for International Friendly Business Award nominations

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:08:00 EDT

International Programs has been working with the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce over the past few years to create awareness in the business community of the needs of our international community.

A chance to win free tickets to an Aggie Game!

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:07:00 EDT

Periodically during the Fall semester, the International Programs Office receives a donation of a few tickets to Aggie Football games. If you are an international student and would like a chance to get a free ticket, please write an essay of no more than 100 words describing your interest in attending an Aggie football game, and send it in an email to: iss@tamu.edu with �Aggie Football 2009� in the subject line. Deadline for entries is Friday, September 4, at 12:00 noon.

5th Annual International Aggie Football Symposium

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 14:06:00 EDT

MSC Hospitality is presenting our 5th Annual International Aggie Football Symposium. This event is designed to introduce American Football and Texas A&M traditions to international students. Physics professors, the Yell Leaders, coaches, and players from the Texas A&M football team will be in attendance.